New programme focuses on young men

For immediate release – 23 August 2010

New programme focuses on young men

Men who hold traditional views about gender roles and the “place” of women are more likely to be violent international research shows. And, it’s these traditional views that are being challenged by a new programme from Family Planning which focuses on young men, their parents and their teachers.

“There is a clear link between the more strongly held ideas of traditional masculinity and a greater likelihood of that individual man using domestic violence against women. Violent men hold different attitudes than the majority of men who do not use violence,” Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond says.

“A significant element of our It’s About Mana programme encourages young men to question traditional male values – ideas such as that real men are always in control, have uncontrollable sex drives, deserve a certain entitlement or respect, and that women are object. Questioning like this – holding these outmoded ideas up to the light - will protect against relationship violence. If young men are involved in discussions that show that most men don’t use or condone violence towards women, this will make it harder for violent individuals to justify it as normal behaviour.”

Ms Edmond says It’s About Mana was developed because young men can often feel like they’re a problem and many campaigns aimed at young men focus on things not to do rather than acknowledging and affirming good behaviour. Rather than follow this model, Family Planning wanted to take a strengths-based approach and to produce a resource that acknowledges behaviour that is achievable - such as how to be a good partner and a decent young man.

Ms Edmond says it was also important that the campaign included information and material that could be used by young men, their parents and teachers and included material that could stand-alone such as posters.

To make It’s About Mana as accessible as possible, a Facebook page has been set up and young men are being encouraged to post content to the page. This content could include comments, photographs or video.

It’s About Mana includes: teaching materials for teacher and facilitators of young men’s groups; top tips for parents when talking with boys; posters; and a set of messages to go alongside the posters. There are five posters in the It’s About Mana series – each accompanied by a set of positive messages.

The programme can be used in a variety of ways:
Young men can use the activity and discussion suggestions in school-based anti-violence groups, or with youth groups, church groups and so on.
Young men can access the It’s About Mana Facebook page, engage in online discussion, read the rotating prompt questions, submit creative responses to the campaign.
Parents can download the tips and open discussion with their sons about sexuality and negotiating respectful relationships.
Posters come with a key messages and discussion prompts handout which can be used by teachers.
Venues, schools, community centres and so on can display the posters

“There is a lot of pressure on young men to be the “big man”, to have sex and brag about it. Young men need to know that masculinity isn’t about how much they can score, or talk down to or about people. It’s about showing respect, love, tenderness, standing up for what they believe in and for the people who are close to them,” Ms Edmond says.

“Young men want to engage in conversations about sex and sexuality – they just don’t always know how to start or how to start appropriately. The majority of young men are doing well – working with them in a positive way will get positive results. If we create the environment where we allow young men to discuss sexuality, they will, in a mature and responsible way.

“Biological knowledge is important, but building self-assurance and confidence around sexual topics will open a world of discussion.”

For more information go to www.familyplanning.org.nz or www.theword.org.nz or become a fan on Facebook.

ENDS

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